How To: Use Tapback in Messages for iOS 10 and macOS Sierra

iOS 10 and macOS Sierra brought all kinds of cool features to the Messages app. One of our favorites is the “Tapback” feature, which allows users to insert a graphical response to a previous message. here’s how to use it.

(Tapback is visible to everyone in the conversation who is using iMessage with macOS Sierra or iOS 10. Other iMessage users see “Liked” or “Laughed at” or “Emphasized,” for example, followed by the text of that message. )

Using “Tapback” Responses in the iOS 10 Messages App

Open any message thread in the iOS 10 messages app.

Find the message balloon you wish to reply to with a Tapback response, and tap and hold your finger on it. (This also works with photos, and videos in the message stream.)

A variety of Tapback icons will appear. Tap on one of the icons to “Stick” it to the message. Icons to choose from include: A Heart, Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down, “Ha Ha”, “!!”, and “?” as seen in the graphic below. Repeat as needed.

The TapBack Feature is cross-platform, meaning it can be sent and received in the Messages app on both iOS and macOS. As mentioned before, the feature requires iOS 10, and on the Mac, it requires macOS Sierra.

Using “Tapback” Responses in the macOS Sierra Messages App

Open any message thread in the Messages for Mac app.

Click and hold your mouse pointer on any message, picture, or video. (You can also right-click or Control-click a message bubble to open a shortcut menu.)

A variety of Tapback icons will appear. click on one of the icons to “Stick” it to the message. Icons to choose from include: A Heart, Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down, “Ha Ha”, “!!”, and “?” as seen in the graphic below. Repeat as needed.

The Tapback feature in the latest version of Messages on both iOS 10 and macOS Sierra offer a fun and easy way to quickly reply to a message from your friends and family.